If bitten run hot water (just short of scalding) over the bites for at least 1 to 2 min. I have been told this draws the bodies histamine to the serface and rinse it away. What ever occures it does work in reducing the itch for several hours. If you are not able to use running water use a very hot wet cloth!

YES! I've never encountered a fire ant, but this is the ONLY way I can kill my poison ivy itch! It works for hours. (Good for bug bites, too - pretty much anything that itches.)

Running water is better than the washcloth, but there's one problem: anti-scald valves! It's really hard to find a hand shower nowadays that lets you get the water hot enough to work, and some parts of the body just won't fit under the sink faucet. Guess I'd have to drape myself over the kitchen sink & use that sprayer. :-)